Mary McDonald
Dr. McDonald is an Assistant Professor in the CRSR Department (Counseling, Research, Special Education and Rehabilitation) and teaches in the Special Education Program. She began teaching at Hofstra University as an adjunct in 2002 and became full time in 2005. She currently teaches courses such as Educating Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Creating Effective Learning Communities and Research Seminars.
In addition to her role at the University, she also Directs The Genesis Outreach Autism Center in which she supervises outreach, consultation and research programs. She has nearly 20 years experience directing programs for students with autism from early intervention through adulthood. Previously she served as Associate Executive Director and Directed The Genesis School for students with autism for 14 years.
She has received a number of awards for her work: Citation of Honor from past Queens Borough president Claire Schulman, Award of Distinction from the Town of Oyster Bay, and most recently The Teacher of the Year Award for 2009 from Hofstra University and Outstanding Mentor from The Association for Behavior Analysis International (2010).
She completed her Ph.D. in Learning Theory at the CUNY Graduate Center and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst- Doctoral level. Dr. McDonald currently serves on a number of boards including: Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT) and Council on Autism Services (CAS). Dr. McDonald is currently co-authoring an Introductory Text on Special Education. She has published articles in the areas of self-management, social reciprocity, response to intervention, inclusion and technology in education. Her current research interests include creativity and the use of video modeling and social stories to promote learning.
Latest Articles
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Understanding Applied Behavior Analysis
Applied behavior analysis is a science that allows for the study of learning and behavior.
Oct 15, 2010
- Mary McDonald
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Understanding Problem Behavior
Students may engage in problem behavior in the classroom setting. It is important to understand the reasons why these behaviors occur.
Sep 29, 2010
- Mary McDonald
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Using Incidental Teaching With Children With Autism
Incidental teaching is a child-directed teaching method in which the child's motivation initiates an instructional opportunity to promote communication.
Sep 2, 2010
- Mary McDonald
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Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention in Autism
The use of an intensive behaviorally-based intervention for children with autism has been shown to be effective through many years of research.
Aug 9, 2010
- Mary McDonald
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Using Social Stories With Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Social Stories™ have been shown to be an effective research-based teaching tool for promoting prosocial behavior in students with autism spectrum disorders.
Jul 12, 2010
- Mary McDonald
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Socialization and Play in Early Intervention and Autism
It is during play that social skills are truly developed. For learners with ASD, their limited play repertoires can greatly impact their socialization.
Jul 11, 2010
- Mary McDonald
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Using Technology to Promote Learning for Students With ASD
Technology is ever present in everyday life and using technology to promote learning in students with autism may be a key to enhanced learning.
Jul 6, 2010
- Mary McDonald
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Supported Inclusion for Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Supported inclusion is a model in which students with ASD are educated with their peers while being provided the necessary supports to be successful.
Jul 4, 2010
- Mary McDonald
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Understanding the Autism Spectrum
Autism spectrum disorders are made up of a variety of specific disorders and each one is a unique diagnosis that requires specialized attention.
Jul 1, 2010
- Mary McDonald
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Diagnosing an Individual With an Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder diagnosis has increased dramatically over the past 15 years and the methods and tools used for diagnosis have improved as well.
Jun 22, 2010
- Mary McDonald
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